Close of the Inquest into the death of Henry Thompson 1863-1891

THE CLAYTON-SQUARE TRAGEDY

CLOSE OF THE INQUEST

The adjourned inquest on the body of Henry Thompson, provision merchant, who shot himself in the Feathers Hotel, Clayton-square, on February 11, was held on Saturday, by the Liverpool coroner (Mr. T. E. Sampson). The inquiry had been several times adjourned in order that Miss Gelleburn, the barmaid who was shot at by Thompson, might attend and give evidence. She had been an in-patient at the Northern Hospital since the occurrance, and in answer to a summons she was brought in a conveyance to the Coroner's Court at Dale-street on Saturday morning. She seemed weak when assisted into court. She was closely muffled with wraps, so that those in court could not see her features. Mr. Tetlow appeared as her solicitor, and Mr. Mackay represented the relatives of the deceased.
Miss Gelleburn, on being sworn said - My name is Emma Gelleburn. I am a barmaid, and at present an out-patient at Northern Hospital. I reside with my mother at 67, Radcliffe-street. Up to February last I was engaged at the Feathers Hotel. So far as I can remember I had known Mr. Thompson about 12 months. I made his aquaintence when I was in a situation in Sweeting-street. For some time I was under the impression that he was a single man. I never kept company with him, and I was never out with him. - The Coroner: Were you aware that he was inclined to keep your company? I do not think so. - And you treated him like any other customer in the hotel? Yes. - And you cannot tell us anything as to what would be the state of his mind at the time? I have been told, but do not remember about it. - You do not know anything you did to cause him to take offense at you? I do not. - Did he, so far as you know, ever threaten to commit suicide? No. - Can you remember clearly what took place on that day? I do not, my mind is simply a total blank. I have nothing to tell. - Can you remember whether he had any words with you or not? I cannot. - Had he any revolver that you know of?

No. - Can you tell us of anything that occurred just prior to what took place? No. - Can you tell us as to any conversation that took place between yourself and himself? I cannot. - Do you remember whether he ever threatened you in any way? No. - And you cannot tell us anything as to the state of his mind at the time? No, I cannot. - Do you know whether he was intoxicated at the time? I do not remember. I just seem as if I was in a dream all the time. I remember nothing at all. The Coroner (to the jury) - We have tried to get a statement from, but failed. It seems to me we have exhausted this inquiry. And if you think it necessary for me to go through what has been said in evidence I will do so; but in the meantime perhaps we may allow the witness to retire, as you see she is not very well. I think the evidence given before must be fresh in your recollection. I think you have evidence showing pretty clearly the cause of his death. Now it is for you to inquire as to the state of his mind. The evidence of Dr. Limrick was pretty clear, and there is the other evidence of the people at the place to show that he was in an excited state; some going so far as to say he was depressed. Unless you desire it, I do not propose to go further into details. I shall therefore prefer, unless you wish it otherwise, to leave it to yourselves to consider what you will do.
The jury retired, and after an absence of ten minutes returned into court and gave in their verdict as follows: - We find that Henry Thompson committed suicide by shooting himself with a revolver, but there is not sufficient evidence to indicate the state of his mind at the time.
Mr. Mackay asked whether he should be able to claim from the police, articles and effects belonging to the deceased, and now in their possession.
The Coroner did not think there would be any difficulty in the matter. He had no power over the police.
The Coroner's Officer: - There is some one here ready to hand over the articles.
The Coroner then thanked the jury for their attendance and attention to the case.